Funny, I had the same problem when shaping the aspen I used on my Greenland paddle. From what I could tell, it was where the grain changed directions, so planing on either side of the spot would be planing uphill. I tried to do just that and had limited success. I think if I had used a low-angle plane with the throat closed up, I wouldn't have had as much trouble (but I didn't have one). I did have some tear-out that left some pits. Oh well, on to the next paddle.

Ross

> When i am Planing my paddle blank i've encountered a spot of rough wood?
> It's not a Knot in the wood i made sure the wood was very clear,I have
> sharpened my cutter and to no avail the rough spot won't give, I've turned
> the blank around and planed it the opposite direction and no change. The
> wood is Aspen and i am going with the grain.. Can anyone offer some
> assistance?

> Thank you, Johnnie